Police response to kidnapping scam ends with unrelated arrest
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla police officers responded to the HAPO Community Credit Union, 1850 E. Isaacs Ave., Monday afternoon after a parent received a phone call from a scammer claiming they had kidnapped their daughter and demanded money be sent.
According to the police, the parent shared what was happening with a bank teller who then pushed the holdup panic button. Then the alarm company called into dispatch and made mention of a possible kidnapping at the location.
As several officers responded, Shawn Anthony Crump, 32, of Connell, was exiting the Chevron Gas Station next door. Crump, who had a Department of Corrections warrant for his arrest, thought the police were there for him and took off running.
Not knowing what was going on, officers split up. Half ran after Crump; the other half went to the credit union.
Crump was captured, while it was determined everything was good at the credit union. As for the parent, contact was made with their daughter who confirmed she was safe and sound.
